The Rafa Nadal Tour by Santander lands at the Tennis Academy El Cortijo in Telde with 200 young tennis talents in the under-12 to under-16 categories.
The grassroots tennis tournament promoted by the Rafa Nadal Foundation has once again chosen Telde as its Canary Islands venue for the fifth consecutive year. The competition, which started this Tuesday at the Tennis Academy El Cortijo, brings together 200 of the best tennis talents in the country, from under-12 to under-16, in both male and female categories.
A circuit with values and training
The Rafa Nadal Tour by Santander is not just a tennis tournament. As explained by the Councillor for Physical Activity and Sports of the Telde City Council, Cristhian Santana Caballero, the circuit combines sports competition with the promotion of values such as effort, respect, perseverance, and teamwork. “It is a pride for Telde to host one of the most significant grassroots tennis events in Spain,” Santana highlighted during the official presentation.
The presentation event, held at the academy's facilities, also featured the presence of Leticia López, manager of the Insular Sports Institute of the Gran Canaria Cabildo; JF Fernández, director of the national circuit; and Carlota Molina and Jorge Sánchez, sports directors of the tournament on the island.
“These types of competitions not only promote sports among our youth but also project the image of our city as an ideal destination for hosting major sporting events,” the councillor added.
A week of high-level tennis
The inaugural day this Tuesday included 16 matches in the under-12 and under-14 male categories, as well as several matches in the under-16 female category, all played on the hard courts of the Tennis Academy El Cortijo. The competition will continue this Wednesday with the round of 16, the quarter-finals on Thursday, the semi-finals on Friday, and all finals will take place on Saturday.
For young Canarian tennis players, this event represents a unique opportunity to compete at the highest level without leaving the archipelago. The circuit travels to seven venues across Spain, and Gran Canaria is the only stop in the Canary Islands, solidifying the island's status as a reference point for organizing national sporting events.
Local and economic impact
Beyond sports, the tournament has a direct impact on the local economy. Santana emphasized that “these types of competitions have a significant impact both on the municipality's image and its economic activity.” The arrival of players, families, and companions throughout the week boosts hospitality and commerce in Telde and its surroundings.
Moreover, the Rafa Nadal Tour by Santander is an example of how sports can be an educational tool. The Balearic tennis player's foundation promotes parallel social programs, and in this edition, participants are expected to take part in workshops and talks about values. “In Telde, sports are in the air, and we continue to work on supporting and promoting all sports disciplines,” Santana concluded.
The tournament, which will last until Saturday, promises intense emotions and will serve to discover the future stars of Spanish tennis. Canarian fans have an unmissable appointment at the Tennis Academy El Cortijo to enjoy young talent in action.
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